Swage and flare joints

ABSTRACT

In one example, an elongate member includes an unswaged portion of metal, and a swaged portion of metal and attached to the unswaged portion. The swaged portion includes four walls that cooperate to define a perimeter of the swaged portion, each of the walls being substantially straight and two of the walls terminating together at a common point such that an angle between the two walls of about 90 degrees is defined. A respective local deformation is defined in each of the four walls, and an attribute of one of the local deformations varies along a portion of a length of the swaged portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and hereby claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/469,216, entitled SWAGE AND FLARE JOINTS,and filed on Aug. 26, 2014 (the “'216 Application”). The '216Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser.No. 61/917,237, entitled SWAGE AND FLARE JOINTS, and filed on Dec. 17,2013. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein intheir respective entireties by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Swage and flare joints enable two tubes having about the same overallperimeter size to be fitted together, one inside the other. In general,this involves flaring a first tube so as to increase the insideperimeter of the first tube, and swaging the second tube so as todecrease the outside perimeter of the second tube. In this way, thesecond tube can be received within the first tube.

The joint thus produced however may prove problematic insofar as theremay be very limited contact between the swaged tube and the flared tube.This result can occur when the walls of a square swaged tube aredeformed along their a substantial portion of their length such that theonly contact between the swaged tube and a mating flared tube occurs atthe four corners of the swaged tube. Such point contact may permitmovement between the swaged tube and the flared tube. As well, pointcontact between the swaged tube and the flared tube, may contribute toinstability of the assembled joint that could result in wobbling of astructure supported by the joint, and/or may result in a relativelyweaker joint that could fail in some loading situations.

In view of the foregoing, it would be useful to provide swage and flarejoints that implement substantial contact between the swaged portion andthe flared portion of the joint.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein do notconstitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor doesthis brief summary constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of anyparticular embodiment(s). Rather, this brief summary simply presentsselected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted thatnothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential orindispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, variousaspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety ofways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodimentsare considered as being within the scope of this disclosure.

As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of thisdisclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited to theresolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments beconstrued to implement, or be limited to implementation of, anyparticular technical effect(s) or solution(s).

The present disclosure is generally concerned with joints that may beused to releasably, or permanently, connect a pair of mating elements,where the mating elements are configured such that one mating elementcan be partly received within the other mating element. Morespecifically, embodiments of the invention include swage and flarejoints, as well as joints that include a swaged portion that mates withan unflared portion.

Embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include any one ormore of the following elements, and features of elements, in anycombination: a mating element having a swaged portion and/or a flaredportion; a tubular, or substantially solid, mating element having aswaged portion and/or a flared portion; a mating element having a swagedend and/or a flared end; a tubular, or substantially solid, matingelement having a swaged end and/or a flared end; a swaged portion withsubstantially straight walls; a swaged portion with substantiallystraight walls, one or more of which includes a deformation; a swagedportion having one or more walls configured for substantial contact witha mating flared portion; a swaged portion whose walls are configured forsubstantial contact with a mating flared portion; a swaged portionconfigured to be received, permanently or removably, within a flaredportion; a swaged portion configured to contact a mating flared portionat the corners of a perimeter of the swaged portion and at one or moreother locations of the perimeter of the swaged portion; a swaged portionwith a substantially square or rectangular cross-section; a swagedportion with a cross-section whose shape is other than substantiallysquare; a swaged portion with a substantially circular cross-section; aswaged portion having three or more walls; a flared portion whose wallsare configured for substantial contact with a mating swaged portion; aflare configured to mate, either permanently or releasably, with any ofthe aforementioned swages such that substantial contact between theflare and swage is achieved; any of the aforementioned swaged portionsincluding one or more walls or surfaces that include a respective localdeformity; any combination of any one or more of the aforementionedswages and flares; and, a basketball system including any combination ofany one or more of the aforementioned swages and flares.

Following is a non-exclusive list of embodiments within the scope of theinvention. It should be understood that aspects of the variousembodiments may be combined in other ways to define still furtherembodiments.

In a first example embodiment, a first mating element has a swagedportion whose outer surface is configured to make substantial contactwith the inner surface of a flared second mating element.

In a second example embodiment, a first mating element has a swagedportion with a plurality of walls, each of which is configured to makesubstantial contact with a corresponding wall of a flared second matingelement.

In a third example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with a plurality of walls, each of which is configured tomake substantial contact with a corresponding wall of a second tubularmating element having a flared portion.

In a fourth example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with a plurality of substantially straight walls, each ofwhich is configured to make substantial contact with a correspondingwall of a second tubular mating element having a flared portion.

In a fifth example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with a plurality of walls, each of which has an outersurface configured to make substantial contact with an inner surface ofa corresponding wall of a second tubular mating element having a flaredportion.

In a sixth example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with four walls that collectively define a generallysquare or rectangular cross section shape of the first tubular matingelement, each of the four walls having an outer surface configured tomake substantial contact with an inner surface of a corresponding wallof a second tubular mating element having a flared portion.

In a seventh example embodiment, a first mating element has a swagedportion with a plurality of walls, each of which is configured to makesubstantial contact with a corresponding wall of a flared second matingelement, and one or more of the walls of the first mating elementincludes a local deformation.

In an eighth example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with a plurality of walls, each of which is configured tomake substantial contact with a corresponding wall of a second tubularmating element having a flared portion, and one or more of the walls ofthe swaged portion includes a local deformation.

In a ninth example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with a plurality of substantially straight walls, each ofwhich is configured to make substantial contact with a correspondingwall of a second tubular mating element having a flared portion, and oneor more of the walls of the first tubular mating element includes alocal deformation.

In a tenth example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with a plurality of walls, each of which has an outersurface configured to make substantial contact with an inner surface ofa corresponding wall of a second tubular mating element having a flaredportion, and one or more of the walls of the first tubular matingelement includes a local deformation.

In an eleventh example embodiment, a first tubular mating element has aswaged portion with four walls that collectively define a generallysquare or rectangular cross section shape of the first tubular matingelement, each of the four walls having an outer surface configured tomake substantial contact with an inner surface of a corresponding wallof a second tubular mating element having a flared portion, and one ormore of the walls of the first tubular mating element includes a localdeformation.

In variations of a twelfth example embodiment, a basketball systemincludes a support pole, and/or other structure(s), that incorporatesany of the preceding embodiments.

As well, this disclosure embraces the embodiments disclosed herein bothin respective assembled forms, and in respective kit forms. When in theform of a kit, the embodiment may be partly or completely disassembled.For example, an element including a swaged portion and an elementincluding a mating flared portion may be separate pieces in such a kit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of some example embodiments tofurther clarify various aspects of the present disclosure. It will beappreciated that these drawings depict only some embodiments of thedisclosure and are not intended to limit its scope in any way. Thedisclosure will be described and explained with additional specificityand detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of astructure having a swaged portion;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the example of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a structure including aflared portion suitable for mating with the structures of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an alternativestructure having a swaged portion;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a structure including aflared portion suitable for mating with the structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the example structures of FIGS.4 and 5 in a mated arrangement;

FIGS. 7a and 7b are views of an example basketball system with a jointthat includes a flared portion and a swaged portion;

FIGS. 8a and 8b disclose various example embodiments of a swaged portionthat may be employed in forming a joint;

FIG. 9 discloses various example embodiments of dies that may beemployed to form swaged portions such as those disclosed herein; and

FIG. 10 discloses a method for producing a swaged portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally concerned with joints that may beused to releasably, or permanently, connect a pair of mating elements,where embodiments of the mating elements are configured such that onemating element can be partly received within the other mating element.More specifically, embodiments of the invention include joints thatincluding a swaged portion and a flared portion that are configured tomate, either releasably or permanently, with each other. The swagedportion may include one or more local deformities in one or moresurfaces that interface with the flared portion. Embodiments of theinvention also include a die, or dies, configured to enable productionof the swaged portions and flared portions disclosed herein.

A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

Embodiments of the invention can be employed in a wide variety ofapplications and, accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limitedto the example applications and structures disclosed herein. Rather,such applications, which include outdoor equipment such as playgroundequipment and basketball systems, are discussed herein for the purposeof illustration, and not by way of limitation. In general, embodimentsof the invention can be employed in any application or environment whereit is desired to permanently, or releasably, attach a pair of elementstogether.

With reference to one of the examples noted above, elements of outdoorequipment, such as playground equipment and basketball systems, may beconstructed with a variety of components and materials including, butnot limited to, plastic (including injection-molded, blow-molded,roto-molded, and twin sheet plastic structures and elements) includingpolycarbonates, composites, metals, and combinations of any of theforegoing.

Suitable metals may include steel, aluminum, and aluminum alloys,although the skilled person will understand that a variety of othermetals, and combinations of metals, may be employed as well and thescope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. Wheremetal is employed in the construction of a component, the metal elementsmay take one or more forms including, but not limited to, square tube,rectangular tube, oval tube, polygonal tube, triangular tube, roundtube, pipe, and solid, rather than tubular, forms of any of theforegoing. Any of these tubes, pipes or solid pieces may includeradiused corners where walls intersect with each other, so as to reduceor eliminate stress concentrations. Metal is but one example of aplastically deformable material that can be used in the constructions ofat least some embodiments of the invention.

Depending upon the material(s) employed in the construction of outdoorequipment, a variety of methods and components may be used to connect,releasably or permanently, various elements of the outdoor equipment.For example, the various metal elements of outdoor equipment orcomponents within the scope of this disclosure may be attached to eachother by any one or more of processes such as welding or brazing,mechanically by way of fasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, andrivets, for example, by clamps, by mechanical structures such as swagesand flares, and by any combination of one or more of the foregoing.

Some, none, or all portions of one or more of the outdoor equipment andits components may be coated with paint or other materials. Surfacetreatments and textures may also be applied to portions of the outdoorequipment. At least some of such materials may serve to help prevent, orreduce, rust and corrosion.

B. Structural Aspects of a Comparative Example

Directing attention first to FIGS. 1-3, details are provided concerningsome structures that are set forth herein for the purposes of comparisonwith the example embodiments of FIGS. 4-6.

As indicated in FIGS. 1-2, a swaged portion 100 in the form of a squaretube is disclosed that has a generally square cross-sectional shape. Theswaged portion 100 includes four walls 102 that intersect so as todefine four corners 104. The swaged portion 100 has been swaged so thatthe effective length of the perimeter at the terminal end, defined asthe sum of the lengths of the four segments “L,” is relatively shorterthan the actual length of the perimeter, defined as the sum of thelengths of the deformed walls. As well, the effective length of theperimeter at the terminal end is shorter than the overall length of theperimeter at a location “P” where no swaging has been performed.

This configuration has been achieved by a swaging process that causes adeformation of each of the walls 102. In particular, each wall 102deflects inwardly toward the interior of the swaged portion 100. As aresult of the deflection of each of the walls 102, the overall length ofthe perimeter of the terminal end of the swaged portion 100 isrelatively shorter than it would be if the walls 102 were not sodeflected, although the basic overall shape of the cross-section of theswaged portion 100 is generally retained. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and2, the deflection extends over substantially the entire length of eachwall 102, that is, the entire wall 102 is deflected between successivecorners 104. Thus deflected, the wall 102 takes on a curved, rather thanstraight, configuration.

While the configuration of the swaged portion 100 is adequate to ensurethat the swaged portion 100 can mate with the flared portion 200illustrated in FIG. 3, that configuration may not be well suited forsome applications. For example, because the walls 102 are each deflectedinwardly, the deflected portions may not contact the corresponding walls202 of the flared portion 200. As a result, the primary, or only,contact between the swaged portion 100 and the flared portion 200 occurswhere the corners 104 of the swaged portion 100 contact the corners 204of the flared portion 200.

Such minimal contact between the swaged portion 100 and the flaredportion 200 may be problematic insofar as it may permit movement betweenthe swaged portion 100 and flared portion 200, may contribute toinstability of the assembled joint that could result in wobbling of astructure supported by the joint, and/or may result in a relativelyweaker joint that could fail in some loading situations. Concerns suchas these could result in a need for supplemental support of the jointsuch as by way of fasteners (not shown) positioned in holes 206.However, the use of fasteners can complicate the assembly of the joint,and may make the joint harder to break down, should there be a need todo so.

C. Structural Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

In light of considerations such as those noted above, it would beuseful, in at least some instances, to construct a swage and flare jointthat provides for relatively more substantial contact between the swagedportion and the flared portion of the joint. Accordingly, attention isdirected now to FIGS. 4-6 which disclose aspects of embodiments of aswage and flare joint that include a swaged portion 300 and a flaredportion 400.

As used herein, swaging and swaging processes include forging processesin which one or more dimensions of an item are altered. Swaging can beperformed as a cold working process where an item is forced into aconfining die to reduce one or more dimensions of the item, such as thelength of the perimeter of the item for example.

Swaging an item with one or more dies can also be performed as a hotworking process. The use of one or more dies in this way is sometimesreferred to as tube swaging. Another type of swaging process, sometimesreferred to as rotary swaging or radial forging, involves the use ofmultiple dies to hammer a workpiece into a desired shape, and reducingone or more dimensions of the workpiece in the process. Rotary swagingmay be particularly useful for shaping solid workpieces.

It should be noted that any die or group of dies configured to enablethe formation of swaged portions such as are disclosed herein areconsidered to be within the scope of the invention.

D. Example Swaged Portions

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the swaged portion 300 may comprisea tubular form as shown, or may be a solid structure, either of whichmay be configured to be received in a corresponding tapered portion of ajoint. In the illustrated example, the swaged portion 300 is in the formof tube having a cross-section whose shape is substantially square,although tubes or solid structures of other shapes can alternatively beemployed. In at least some embodiments, a single piece of material mayinclude multiple swaged portions, which may, or may not, be the samesize and/or shape as each other. For example, a piece of tube or solidstock may have a first swaged portion at one end, and a second swagedportion at the other end.

In the example of FIG. 4, the swaged portion 300 has been swaged so thatthe overall length of the perimeter at the terminal end 300A isrelatively smaller than the overall length of the perimeter at a point301 located some distance away from the terminal end 300A. Thus, theswaged portion 300 in this example tapers from point 301 to the terminalend 300A of the swaged portion 300, so that the cross-section area ofthe swaged portion at point 301 is relatively greater than thecross-section area of the swaged portion at the terminal end 300A. Thisconfiguration can be achieved by swaging processes and swaging dies suchas those disclosed herein. In general, the perimeter and configurationof the swaged portion 300 is such that when the swaged portion 300 isfully received in a corresponding flared portion, such as flared portion400 for example, one or more of the walls 302 are in substantial contactwith corresponding walls of the flared portion.

As indicated in FIG. 4, the walls 302 of the swaged portion 300 aresubstantially straight and connect with each other at a plurality ofcorners 304. In some instances, it may be useful to introduce one ormore local deformations 306 into one, two, three, or all, of the walls302 so as to enable the desired shortening of the effective lengths ofone or more of the walls 302, while generally maintaining the relativelystraight, or otherwise undeformed, configuration of the walls 302.

Thus, the walls 302 differ from the walls 202 indicated in FIGS. 1-3, atleast in that the walls 302 have only a local deformation 306 and arenot deformed along all, or a substantial part of, their length, as isthe case with the walls 202. The local deformation(s) may be such that,notwithstanding their presence, the overall shape of the cross-sectionof the swaged portion 300 is generally retained.

In the example of FIG. 4, the local deformations 306 each have a curvedcross-section shape which could be generally circular, generallyelliptical, or any other curved shape, or a portion of any of theforegoing. The local deformations 306 need not be curved however and mayalternatively be pointed, or have any other suitable configuration.However, local deformations with curved cross-section shapes may help toreduce, or eliminate, stress concentrations that may otherwise occurwith the use of straight or pointed shapes.

As well, and apparent from FIG. 4 for example, any one or moreattributes of a local deformation 306, such as the width and/or depth,may vary along a portion of the length of the swaged portion. In theparticular example of FIG. 4, both the width and the depth of the localdeformation 306 varies along the swaged portion such that the localdeformation 306 is relatively wider and deeper at the terminal end ofthe swaged portion than at a location distal from the terminal end. Inother embodiments, one or more attributes of the local deformation 306,such as the width and/or depth for example, may be substantiallyconsistent over all of, or a substantial portion of, the length of thelocal deformation 306.

As well, the local deformations 306 each have substantially the samewidth and depth as each other, although that is not required. Moreparticularly, and with continued reference to the example of FIG. 4, theexample local deformations 306 each taper from a maximum width and depthat the terminal end of the swaged portion 300 to a location where thetaper in both width and depth disappears, or at least substantiallydisappears.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of the local deformations306 set forth in FIG. 4 is presented solely by way of example, and isnot intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. In general,any local deformation(s) that enable a substantial portion of one ormore walls of a swaged portion including one or more such localdeformations to make contact with a corresponding wall of a taperedportion can be employed. Thus, such walls may be substantiallyundeformed except for their inclusion of one or more local deformations.

It should be noted that local deformations can be employed in walls thatare not straight, or not substantially straight. For example, one ormore local deformations could be employed in a swaged portion, such as asubstantially circular swaged portion for example, that included one ormore curved walls. One example of a circular swaged portion includesone, or two, pairs of opposing local deformations.

Moreover, in some embodiments of a swaged portion that include multiplewalls, fewer than all of the walls, such as only one, two, or three,walls may include a local deformation. Further, where multiple localdeformations are employed in an embodiment, those local deformations mayall have substantially the same configuration. In one or morealternative embodiments, at least one local deformation has aconfiguration that is substantially different from the configuration ofanother local deformation.

As well, any one or more of attributes such as the size, number, shape,location, and orientation of the local deformations can be varied. Twoor more local deformations in a single swaged portion can besubstantially the same as, or differ from, each other in any grouping ofone or more of the aforementioned attributes.

In some example embodiments, one or more walls of a swaged portioninclude multiple local deformations. With regard to the aforementionedattributes, the multiple local deformations in such examples may besubstantially the same as each other in one or more of those attributes,or may be different from each other in one or more of those attributes.

With regard to the example configuration of FIGS. 4-6, suchconfigurations can be formed using a die. In one example embodiment, thedie is substantially hollow and has an interior configuration that isgenerally a mirror image of the exterior configuration of the swagedportion 300. A square tube can then be forced into the die to producethe configuration shown in the example of FIG. 4.

E. Example Flared Portions

With reference now to FIG. 5, and continued reference to FIG. 4, aflared portion, one example of which is denoted at 400, is disclosed.The flared portion 400, like some embodiments of the swaged portion 300may comprise tube. The flared portion 400 is configured with a pluralityof walls 402 that define an interior 404 whose shape is the same generalshape as the exterior of the swaged portion 300, with the exception ofthe local deformations 306, and a slightly larger size than the swagedportion 300. The slightly larger size of the interior 404 enables theswaged portion 300 to be securely, but removably, received within theflared portion 400.

In some embodiments, the swaged portion 300 may be permanently connectedto the flared portion 400 once received therein. Suitable processes forpermanently connecting the flared portion 400 and swaged portion 300 aredisclosed elsewhere herein, and include welding, soldering, brazing, orthe use of fasteners. Combinations of these processes may also beemployed.

F. Example Joints and Applications

Turning now to FIG. 6, a joint 500 configuration is indicated where theswaged portion 300 is received within the flared portion 400. As evidentfrom FIG. 6, there is substantial contact between the swaged portion 300and the flared portion 400, except at the locations of the localdeformations 306. Such substantial contact may contribute to stabilityof the assembled joint 500 that could reduce or prevent wobbling of astructure supported by the joint 500, and/or may result in a relativelystronger joint 500 that is better able to handle a variety of loadingsituations.

As noted elsewhere herein, the joint 500 could be employed in a widevariety of different applications, one example of which is a supportpole for a basketball system. In one example of such an embodiment, theflared portion 400 and swaged portion 300 would each comprise an elementof a respective piece of a support pole. The flared portion 400 could beimplemented in either the upper or lower piece of such support pole, andthe swaged portion 300 could likewise be implemented in either the upperor lower piece of such a support pole.

With the foregoing in view, attention is directed now to FIGS. 7a and 7bwhich disclose one example application for a joint such as is disclosedherein. In the particular illustrative example of FIGS. 7a and 7b , abasketball system denoted at 600 is provided. The basketball system 600can be a portable basketball system, although that is note required andthe basketball system 600 could, instead, be permanently anchored in theground, or in pavement, concrete and/or other material(s).

The basketball system 600 includes a backboard assembly 602 whichsupports a goal 604. The backboard 602, in turn, is connected to asupport pole 606 either directly, or indirectly by way of one or moreintervening structures such as but not limited to, clamps, brackets,arms. The support pole 606 is connected to a base 608 that may includeone or more wheels or other mechanisms to enable the portability of thebasketball system 600. As well, the basketball system 600 includes aconnecting structure 610 that includes, in this example, a pair of upperarms 610 a and a pair of lower arms 610 b, all of which are rotatablyconnected to the support pole 606 and to a frame of the backboardassembly 602. A height adjustment mechanism 612 connected to the arms610 a enables a user to raise and lower the backboard 602 to a desiredheight. In the illustrated example, the height adjustment mechanism 612takes the form of a screw mechanism that can be rotated by the user tochange the height of the backboard 602.

The support pole 606 includes two or more pieces that fit together, suchas segments 606 a and 606 b for example. The segments 606 a and 606 b ofthe support pole 606 thus collectively define a joint 650. The joint 650can take the form of any of the joint embodiments disclosed herein, andthe basketball system 600 may have one, or multiple, joints 650. Aswell, the segments 606 a and 606 b can take any of the forms of tubingor solid portions disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, thesegments 606 a and 606 b each take the form of square tube, althoughthat particular form is not required.

In the example of FIGS. 7a and 7b , the joint 650 is configured suchthat the segment 606 a is a flared portion, and the segment 606 b is aswaged portion, although the opposite arrangement could alternatively beemployed, that is, an arrangement where segment 606 a is a swagedportion, and segment 606 b is a flared portion. To assemble the joint650, the user can simply insert the segment 606 b into the segment 606 aand move the segments 606 a and 606 b together until the segment 606 bis fully received in the segment 606 a. The segments 606 a and 606 b mayalso include fasteners (not shown) such as bolts or screws to hold theassembled joint 650 together, although that is not required.

As well, the segment 606 b can include an indicator 606 c that providesa visual cue to the user that the joint 650 is fully assembled, that is,the swaged portion of the segment 606 b is fully received in the flaredportion of the segment 606 a. The indicator 606 c may take, for example,the form of an inscribed and/or painted line or other marking which,when positioned near the bottom of segment 606 a after the segment 606 bhas been inserted into segment 606 a, indicates that the swaged portionof the segment 606 b is fully received in the flared portion of thesegment 606 a.

F. Additional Example Embodiments

Turning now to FIGS. 8a and 8b , details are provided concerning someexample swaged portions that may be employed in the formation of one ormore joints. It should be noted that where multiple joints are employedin a particular application, the configuration of two or more of thosejoints may be substantially the same, or one of the joints may have aconfiguration that is different from a configuration of another of thejoints. For example, two or more of the various different swagedportions disclosed in FIGS. 8a and 8b may be employed in a singleapplication. It should also be understood that while FIGS. 8a and 8bdisclose only swaged portions, the scope of the invention also embracesthe respective flared portions that, while not specifically illustrated,correspond to the illustrated swaged portions of FIGS. 8a and 8 b.

A variety of concepts will be apparent from the example swaged portions700 a-700 g set forth in FIGS. 8a and 8 b. The concepts disclosed inthose Figures can be used together, in any combination, to define stillfurther embodiments within the scope of the invention.

For example, and with reference first to swaged portions 700 a,embodiments of the invention include swaged portions that have a singlesubstantially continuous wall, such as wall 702 a for example, ratherthan a set of walls that intersect with each other. Thus, the exampleswaged portions 700 a are generally circular in their cross-sectionshape and, as shown, can be tubular or solid, and also include one ormore local deformations 704 a. The local deformations 704 a, where morethan one are present, can be evenly, or randomly, distributed about thecircumference of the swaged portions 700 a.

It should be noted that, in some circumstances at least, the use of oneor more local deformations in embodiments that include a singlesubstantially continuous wall may not provide as great an effect, interms of contact between the swaged and flared portions, as the effectprovided when one or more local deformities are employed in embodimentsthat include a plurality of discrete walls that intersect with eachother. Nonetheless, embodiments of swaged portions that include a singlesubstantially continuous wall with one or more local deformities may bebeneficial in some applications.

As indicated by the swaged portions 700 b, embodiments of the inventioninclude swaged portions that include fewer than four walls. In theparticular illustrated example, the swaged portions 700 b, which can bein tubular or solid form, have a cross-section shape that is generallytriangular and includes three walls 702 b, any one or more of which caninclude one or more local deformations, such as local deformations 704b. The generally triangular cross-section shape can be any triangularshape, and is not limited to an equilateral triangle shape.

With continued reference to FIG. 8a , embodiments of the invention alsoinclude swaged portions that are not symmetric in one or more of theirdimensions. In the particular illustrated example, the swaged portions700 c, which can be in solid or tubular form, have a cross-section shapethat is oval, or elliptical. Similar to the example of swaged portions700 a, the wall 702 c of the swaged portions 700 c may be substantiallycontinuous and uninterrupted by corners or other discontinuities, exceptfor one or more local deformations 704 c. Where a single localdeformation 704 c is provided, it can be located on the major, or minor,axis of the cross-section shape, although that local deformation 704 ccan be provided in any other location as well. In other embodiments,local deformations 704 c can be provided on both the major and minoraxes of the cross-section shape.

As indicated by the swaged portions 700 d of FIG. 8a , embodiments ofthe invention also include swaged portions that include more than fourwalls. In the particular illustrated example, the swaged portions 700 d,which can be in tubular or solid form, have a cross-section shape thatis generally polygonal and includes five walls 702 d, any one or more ofwhich can include one or more local deformations, such as localdeformations 704 d.

Turning now to FIG. 8b , yet other concepts concerning swaged and flaredportions are disclosed. As illustrated, swaged portions 700 e include aplurality of local deformations 702 e, at least two of which havedifferent respective sizes. Of course, local deformations of differentshapes, as well as sizes, can likewise be combined in a singleembodiment.

As further indicated in FIG. 8b , swaged portions, such as swagedportions 700 f for example, may be configured to include one or morewalls 702 f that include a plurality of local deformities 704 f in asingle wall. The swaged portion 700 f may additionally, oralternatively, be configured with one or more walls that 706 f includeno local deformities.

At least some embodiments of the invention are directed to swagedportions, such as swaged portions 700 g, that include one or more walls702 g having local deformities 704 g of different shapes. Localdeformities 704 g of different respective shapes can be combined in asingle wall 702 g, or walls 702 g. Additionally, or alternatively, andas indicated in FIG. 8b , two or more walls 702 g may each have arespective local deformity 704 g that has a different shape than a localdeformity 704 g present in one or more of the other walls 702 g.

In still other embodiments of the invention, a swaged portion, such asswaged portion 700 h for example, may include two or more discreteelements 702 h that can be employed together as a single swaged portion700 h. The two or more discrete elements 702 h may, or may not, bejoined, permanently or releasably, together. For example, the discreteelements 702 h may be releasably joined together by fasteners orrespective mating structures included in each of the discrete elements702 h, or permanently joined together, such as by brazing or welding forexample. In the illustrated example, the discrete element 702 h eachinclude respective local deformations 704 h and/or cooperate to definestill other local deformations 706 h.

G. Example Embodiments of Dies

With attention now to FIG. 9, details are provided concerning someexample dies 800 that may be used in the production of one or more ofthe swaged portions disclosed herein. The example dies 800 include acircular die 802, rectangular/square die 804, triangular die 806, andoval/elliptical die 806. In general, each of the dies 800 issubstantially hollow and includes one or more protrusions 802 a, 804 a,806 a and 808 a, respectively, that is configured and arranged to form acorresponding local deformity in an unswaged portion processed by thedie. In general, the size, shape, configuration and orientation of theprotrusion(s) mirror the size, shape, configuration and orientation ofthe local deformity (ies) desired to be produced.

While not specifically illustrated, dies may also be used to produce oneor more of the flared portions disclosed herein. For example, a die inthe shape of die 804 may be forced into a square tube to produce aflared portion in the square tube.

As disclosed herein, in at least some instances, a pair of dies, ratherthan just a single die, may be used to produce configurations such asthose disclosed in FIGS. 4, 6, 8 a and 8 b. With continued attention toFIG. 9, aspects of one example arrangement of dies are disclosed. Inparticular, a workpiece 803, shown in an undeformed state, is providedthat is at least partly disposed within the die 804. A second die 805 ispositioned in the interior of the workpiece 803 and the second die 805helps to ensure that the form or draw of the workpiece 803 is to thedesired shape when the die 804 is forced onto the work piece 803. Thismultiple die process can also be used in any of the other embodimentsdisclosed herein.

In some instances, the die 805 can be omitted and the workpiece 803 canbe shaped using only the die 804. This single die process can also beused in any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

H. Example Production Methods

Directing attention finally to FIG. 10, details are provided concerningan example method 900 for producing a swaged portion that includes oneor more local deformities. This example method begins at 902 where oneor more dies are applied to a workpiece, such as a piece of tubing orsolid stock. Where multiple dies are employed, they may be appliedsequentially, simultaneously, or in any other suitable manner.

At 904, one or more local deformities are formed in one or more walls ofthe workpiece as a result of application of the die, or dies. Such localdeformities may include any of the example deformities disclosed herein.The method 900 then advances to 906 where the workpiece is swaged. In atleast some embodiments, the swaging 906 reduces an effective perimetersize of the workpiece. It should be noted that 904 and 906 can beperformed sequentially, or substantially simultaneously with each other.

After the workpiece has been swaged, and the desired local deformity, ordeformities, formed in the workpiece, the workpiece can be removed 908from engagement or contact with the die, or dies. Depending upon thedies used, and the configuration of the workpiece, some or all of themethod 900 may be performed more than once on the workpiece.

I. Possible Advantages of One or More Embodiments

As will be apparent from the present disclosure, one or more embodimentsof the invention may be advantageous in various regards. By way ofillustration, one or more embodiments may enable more substantialcontact between a swaged portion and mating flared portion through theuse of one or more local deformities in one or more walls of the swagedportion. This substantial contact, in turn, may enable a more stable andstronger joint than would be obtained in configurations where suchsubstantial contact is not achieved. Such stability can be particularlydesirable in systems, such as basketball systems for example, that aresubjected to repeated dynamic loading, and/or to static loading.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certainembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, thescope of the disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongate member, comprising: an unswagedportion comprising metal; and a swaged portion comprising metal andattached to the unswaged portion, the swaged portion comprising: fourwalls that cooperate to define a perimeter of the swaged portion, eachof the walls being substantially straight and two of the wallsterminating together at a common point such that an angle between thetwo walls of about 90 degrees is defined; and a respective localdeformation defined in each of the four walls, wherein an attribute ofone of the local deformations varies along a portion of a length of theswaged portion.
 2. The elongate member as recited in claim 1, whereinthe swaged portion is configured to be received in a correspondingflared portion of another member such othat substantial portions of thetwo walls proximate their common point of termination are in contactwith corresponding walls of the flared portion.
 3. The elongate memberas recited in claim 1, wherein the swaged portion is substantiallyhollow, or substantially solid.
 4. The elongate member as recited inclaim 1, wherein except for the presence of the local deformation, eachof the walls that includes a local deformation is substantiallyundeformed.
 5. The elongate member as recited in claim 1, wherein aportion of one of the local deformations has a curved cross-sectionalshape.
 6. The elongate member as recited in claim 1, wherein the swagedportion has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially square, orsubstantially rectangular.
 7. The elongate member as recited in claim 1,wherein the local deformations all have substantially the same size andconfiguration.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: a first member, comprising:an unswaged portion comprising metal; and a swaged portion comprisingmetal and attached to the unswaged portion, the swaged portioncomprising: four walls that cooperate to define a perimeter of theswaged portion, each of the walls being substantially straight and twoof the walls terminating together at a common point such that an anglebetween the two walls of about 90 degrees is defined; and a respectivelocal deformation defined in each of the four walls; and a second memberconfigured to receive the swaged portion of the first member, whereinwhen the swaged portion is fully received in the second member,respective portions of the two walls extending between the common pointof termination and nearest local deformation are in contact withcorresponding walls of the second member.
 9. The apparatus as recited inclaim 8, wherein one or more of the local deformations includes a curvedportion.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the secondmember includes a flared portion configured to receive the swagedportion of the first member such that the swaged portion contacts theflared portion when the swaged portion is received in the flaredportion.
 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the localdeformations all have substantially the same size and configuration. 12.The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the swaged portion has across-sectional shape that is substantially square, or substantiallyrectangular.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein each wallhas two straight portions, one straight portion adjoining either side ofthe local deformation in that wall, and each straight portion adjoininganother straight portion of another of the walls.
 14. The apparatus asrecited in claim 8, wherein one of the local deformations protrudesinwardly from an exterior surface of the swaged portion.
 15. Astructure, comprising: a swaged portion substantially made of metal, andcomprising: four walls, the walls being substantially straight andconnected together at their respective ends so as to form a generallysquare or rectangular cross-section shape of the swaged portion; and arespective local deformation defined in each of the four walls, whereina perimeter of the swaged portion is defined entirely by the four wallsand the four local deformations.
 16. The structure as recited in claim15, wherein each wall has two straight portions, one straight portionadjoining either side of the local deformation in that wall, and eachstraight portion adjoining another straight portion of another of thewalls.
 17. The structure as recited in claim 15, wherein one of thelocal deformations protrudes inwardly from an exterior surface of theswaged portion.
 18. The structure as recited in claim 15, wherein theswaged portion is substantially hollow, or substantially solid.
 19. Thestructure as recited in claim 15, wherein when the swaged portion isfully received in a corresponding flared portion of another structure,the entire perimeter of the swaged portion, except for the four localdeformations, is in contact with corresponding walls of the flaredportion.
 20. The structure as recited in claim 15, wherein the swagedportion includes a first end and a second end, and a perimeter of thefirst end is relatively smaller than a perimeter of the second end.